Willow Ranch BBQ still 'plowing' ahead despite a reduction in customers

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Just because you're listed as an 'essential' business, does not mean that you can 'essentially' stay open. Willow Ranch BBQ in Buttonwillow is struggling to make ends meet, by reducing staff to the bare minimum for take out and deliveries.

"We're doing about 10 percent of what we normally do," said Christian Beck, the Catering Manager, "we had $30,000 in catering canceled in a two week period." As a result, the restaurant had to lay off 36 of the 40 employees.

Beck is getting creative to keep the restaurant operating, like many right now, offering daily specials and free delivery anywhere in Kern County.

The 'Plow Boy' sandwich remains one of the most popular items on the menu. A combination of brisket, pastrami, bacon, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos and chipotle sauce. He hopes this 'beast' of a sandwich will lure in new customers, so he can bring back his staff sooner, rather than later.